Category Archives: Uncategorized

ABERDEEN MAN CONVICTED OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER FOLLOWING FOUR-DAY JURY TRIAL

Date: August 5, 2026
RE: State v. Trevor Taylor

On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, Trevor Taylor, 35, of Aberdeen, was found guilty of First-Degree Murder, Second-Degree Murder, First-Degree Assault, Reckless Endangerment, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Loaded Handgun on Person, and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Crime of Violence following a four-day jury trial before the Honorable Paul Ishak in the Circuit Court for Harford County.

Evidence presented in trial proved that on January 23, 2025, at approximately 8:28 PM, Aberdeen Police Units were dispatched to the area of Washington Street and Dorsey Street in Aberdeen. 911 callers advised a slender black male was lying in the middle of the intersection even though it was “freezing cold.”

Officers arrived on scene at approximately 8:39 PM and observed an individual, later identified as Travis Marquise Davis, lying in the roadway. Officers attempted to talk to Travis, but he was unresponsive. Two gunshot wounds were observed on the victim’s chest, and life-saving measures were attempted. Ultimately, Davis was pronounced deceased at the scene. Officers seized a bag that was in Davis’ left hand and a loaded 9MM Ruger Security-9 handgun that was located to the left of his body. A spent 9mm shell casing was also located near Davis’ head.

Multiple detectives from the Aberdeen Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, Special Operations Unit, and Harford County Narcotics Task Force canvassed the area for potential witnesses and surveillance video footage. Law enforcement collected multiple videos capturing four gunshots and a light-colored sedan traveling away from the crime scene at a high rate of speed following the shooting.

On January 27, detectives were canvassing the area of Washington Street when a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle was observed to be parked in the driveway of 422 Washington Street. The vehicle was a white 2019 Honda Accord with exterior auto-body repair work utilizing Bondo on the rear driver’s side door. The suspect vehicle was registered to Trevor Martin Clifton Taylor.

On January 29, detectives responded to 417 Washington Street in Aberdeen and reviewed surveillance video footage from January 23. At approximately 8:31 PM, an individual was observed walking from the direction of 422 Washington Street towards the sewer drainage system in front of 417 Washington Street. The individual was observed throwing an unknown object down the sewer system. A minute later, the same individual was observed throwing another unknown object down the sewer system. The individual then walked back in the direction of 422 Washington Street. The individual captured on the surveillance footage was determined to be Trevor Taylor.

On January 30, law enforcement responded to the area of 417 Washington Street while accompanied by individuals with the Bel Air Department of Public Works. Believing that Trevor Taylor discarded casings or evidence related to this incident, law enforcement searched the immediate area of the sewer system, as well as inside the sewer. Law enforcement located a 9MM shell casing in the rocks next to trash cans for 417 Washington Street, and another 9MM shell casing on a cement divider underneath the sewer drainage grate. An analysis of the casings located on Washington Street indicated that they were not fired from the 9MM Ruger Security 9 handgun recovered near the victim’s body. It was also determined that the shell casing located on January 23, near Davis’ body, was fired from the 9MM Ruger Security-9 handgun.

On February 3, 2026, Detectives with the Aberdeen Police Department executed the search and seizure warrant on the white 2019 Honda Accord registered to the Defendant. Bullet holes were observed in the interior rear driver’s side and passenger side door. It was ultimately determined through the course of the investigation, including a shooting incident reconstruction, that Trevor Taylor shot Travis Davis twice in the chest. While falling to the ground, Davis was able to return gunfire, striking Trevor Taylor’s vehicle as it fled the scene.

Following the verdict, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey issued the following statement: “I commend Assistant State’s Attorney Gabriella Vazzana and Assistant State’s Attorney Ari Kodeck for their efforts in securing a First-Degree Murder conviction in this case. We have repeatedly shown and continue to prove that gun violence in our communities is not something we will tolerate in Harford County. Utilizing the incredible investigative efforts and shooting incident reconstruction from our law enforcement partners, I am proud that my office has once again removed another violent criminal from our streets, as we continue to demonstrate our success and commitment to keeping Harford County safe.”

State’s Attorney Healey also commends Detective Lightner for his investigative efforts leading to the arrest of this Defendant, as well as the brilliant work and testimony of Cpl. Gahner for his shooting incident reconstruction and testimony resulting in this conviction. The defendant will continue to be held at the Harford County Detention Center while pending sentencing, which has been scheduled for Friday, November 13, 2026, at 1:30 PM.

ABERDEEN MAN SENTENCED IN DETENTION CENTER DISTRIBUTION CASE

On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Brandon Randall, 30, of Aberdeen, was sentenced by the Honorable M. Elizabeth Bowen to twenty-eight (28) years, all suspended but fifteen (15) years to serve following his June 2025 conviction for Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Contraband with Intent to Distribute, two counts of Possession of Contraband in a Place of Confinement, and two counts CDS Possession: Not Cannabis. These convictions stemmed from a 2024 incident at the Harford County Detention Center where Randall was found in possession of controlled dangerous substances with the intent to distribute to other inmates while incarcerated.

Assistant State’s Attorney (ASA) Megan Lintott argued for a sentence over and above the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines, which recommended a sentence of four (4) to twelve (12) years. The Court ultimately agreed with ASA Lintott’s assessment of the case and sentenced accordingly.

Following sentencing, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey issued the following statement: “We have sent the message time and time again that we will not tolerate drug dealers distributing these poisons in our community. To do so while actively incarcerated on another offense shows an extreme disregard for the Court, the detention center, and the law in general. If this Defendant was so bold as to actively break the law while incarcerated, it was imperative to send the message that his continued criminal conduct would come with significant consequences.”

State’s Attorney Healey commends Assistant State’s Attorney Lintott for her efforts in this case and her commitment to keeping drug dealers off the streets of Harford County.

ABINGDON MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE PLUS NINETEEN YEARS TO SERVE

Date: July 17, 2026
Re: State v. David Williams

On Friday, July 17, 2026, David Williams, 67, of Abingdon, was sentenced by the Honorable Judge Alex Allman in the Circuit Court for Harford County to a Life Sentence plus an additional nineteen (19) years to serve following his April 2026 convictions for First Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in a Felony or Crime of Violence, Possession of a Regulated Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person, and Impairing the Verity or Availability of Physical Evidence.

This conviction and sentencing follow the brutal 2025 murder of Lillian Williams, who was shot and killed by the Defendant in her Abingdon home. Friends and family of the victim were present at sentencing and presented very emotional victim impact statements detailing for the Court the effects of this crime. Judge Allman’s remarks acknowledged his belief that the Defendant showed no remorse for his crimes and further stated that he had no hope for the Defendant’s rehabilitation and thus focused his sentence on punishment and deterrence. Assistant State’s Attorney (ASA) Jason Allen requested the Defendant be sentenced to the maximum sentence of Life plus twenty-nine (29) years to serve, pointing out to the Court that the Defendant will soon be charged in connection with a 1986 Baltimore City homicide in addition to the egregious facts of this case. ASA Allen also highlighted to the court a new DNA hit involving this Defendant in a 1985 rape in Baltimore County.

Following the hearing, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey issued the following statement: “Today, justice was served for the death of Lillian Williams. This Defendant’s long history of violence ends here in Harford County, and we are proud to ensure that he will spend the rest of his life behind bars. Nothing can ever bring back a lost loved one, but it is my hope that Lillian’s family felt supported, cared for, and heard through every step of this case.”

State’s Attorney Healey commends the efforts of Assistant State’s Attorney Jason Allen and Assistant State’s Attorney Jennifer Alvarez for their work in securing this significant sentence, as well as the efforts of Victim Advocate Cindy Kelley, who works tirelessly every day to support the victims and families in these cases who are often experiencing the worst event of their lives.

FIRST DEGREE ASSAULT CONVICTION FOR ABERDEEN STABBING

Date: July 2, 2026
Re: State vs. Monique Caprice Gash

On Thursday, June 25, 2026, Monique Caprice Gash, 45, of Aberdeen, was convicted of First-Degree Assault and Reckless Endangerment following a two-day jury trial before the Honorable Judge M. Elizabeth Bowen in the Circuit Court for Harford County. Following the conviction, the Defendant’s bail was revoked, and she is currently being held at the Harford County Detention Center, where she will remain pending sentencing. Sentencing is scheduled for August 4, 2026.

Evidence presented in trial proved that on Sunday, September 21, 2025, the Aberdeen Police Department was dispatched to the intersection of Hanover Street and Old Post Road for a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers met with the victim who advised she had just been stabbed by the Defendant, Monique Gash, whom she had known for over a decade. The victim told police that she went to the area to drop off her stepson, so he could retrieve his ID card for a job interview the next day. While the victim waited for her stepson to leave the apartment, she observed the Defendant, her stepson and her child’s father argue as they left the building. The victim tried to create distance from the argument by putting her car in reverse, driving around the parking lot, and honking her horn to break it up. During the argument, the passenger side door of the victim’s vehicle was opened. Gash pushed her way past the two other individuals and stabbed the victim in the arm, creating a 6 cm laceration to her forearm. While stabbing the victim, the Defendant yelled, “I’m going to stab you.” At the time of the incident, the victim was approximately four months pregnant. The victim was able to put her car in drive and left the area to call 911. She was later transported to Hopkins Bayview for medical treatment, where she received seven stitches to close the stab wound.

Following the conviction, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey issued the following statement: “My administration has spent the last four years sending the message that violence in our communities will not be tolerated, and this case is a continuation of that message. I commend Assistant State’s Attorney Jeremy Brooks for his efforts in prosecuting this case, as well as Officer Chaney, Corporal Gerace, and Detective Welsh for their investigative efforts and testimony ultimately leading to charging and conviction.”

BEL AIR MAN CONVICTED IN FATAL COLLISION

On June 26, 2026, John Anthony Gaeta was convicted by the Honorable Judge Alex Allman of Criminally Negligent Manslaughter following a bench trial in the Circuit Court for Harford County.

Evidence at trial proved that on September 18, 2025, 17-year-old Zachary Griffin was lawfully stopped on northbound Route 543 to turn left onto Crescent Knoll Drive. Mr. Griffin’s passenger was 16-year-old Blake Elliott. The Defendant was driving northbound on 543 and failed to avoid colliding with Mr. Griffin’s vehicle, pushing it into the Route 543 southbound lane where it was then struck by a school bus. Both Mr. Griffin and Ms. Elliott were trapped inside the vehicle. Mr. Griffin was extricated first and transported by the Maryland State Police’s Aviation Command unit to Shock Trauma. Mr. Griffin spent 11 days in Shock Trauma with serious injuries. Ms. Elliott was extricated later and taken by ambulance to the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health where she was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.

The Harford County Sheriff’s Office’s Crash Team immediately began an investigation as to the cause of collision. From the on scene investigation, it was determined that there was no pre-impact braking by the Defendant’s vehicle. Search warrants were obtained for the Defendant’s vehicle’s airbag control module and cellular phone. Data from the Defendant’s vehicle confirmed that in the 5 seconds before collision, he did not use his brakes or steer his vehicle to avoid the collision. Time distance calculations showed that the Defendant drove 371 feet during those 5 seconds and only decreased from 53mph to 47mph during that time. Data logs from his cell phone proved that the Defendant immediately began using his phone after leaving work that afternoon at the Arena Club, using three applications – Her A.I., Instagram, and Chess.com – for the entire drive until 38 seconds before collision when the last app closed. Additionally, his phone was determined to be unlocked and with the screen illuminated at the time of collision.
 
Sentencing has been set for August 17, 2026, where the Defendant faces a maximum penalty of three (3) years of incarceration and/or a $5,000 fine. Following the conviction, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey made the following comment:

“Nothing can ever bring Blake Elliott back to her family, friends, or our community. The injuries that she and Zachary Griffin sustained as a result of this Defendant’s choices on September 18, 2025 were shocking and horrific. The Defendant’s criminal conduct took Blake’s life and forever changed Zach’s life, so we are proud that some justice was received for them today, despite the challenges that this case presented.

These cases can be extremely challenging to prosecute, and the current laws simply do not provide sufficient sanctions and are frankly not enough. In addition, the standards are entirely too lenient for what defines a felony versus a misdemeanor. It is my hope that at some point in the future, Blake’s story will assist in changing our laws for the better to hold offenders more accountable when a life is taken in this way.

Lastly, I am incredibly grateful to all of our community members and first responders who responded to this collision with such professionalism and were able to save one life, including, but not limited to, Harford County Emergency Medical Services, Maryland State Police Aviation and Trooper One, Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Bel Air Police Department, and the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company. Special thanks should be given to Senior Officers Graziano and Rhodes and Officer Sperl of the Bel Air Police Department, Senior Deputies Berger, McGann, and Pilachowski, and Digital Forensic Examiners Heather Marsh and Megan Waltimyer from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation leading to conviction. Additionally, I thank Captain Lechasseur and Paramedic Standish from Harford County Emergency Medical Services for their helpful testimony at trial regarding the emergency treatment provided to both Blake and Zach at the time of the collision.

I want to commend Deputy State’s Attorney David Ryden and Senior Assistant State’s Attorney H. Scott Lewis for their tremendous efforts and advocacy in this case.

Distracted driving, especially with the continuing evolution of technology in our society, is incredibly dangerous. When the evidence of an investigation of a collision demonstrates the significant amount of negligence and distraction in which this Defendant engaged and a life is taken, those offenders will be held accountable in Harford County because that is a choice to put our community at risk, and it will not be tolerated.”

NEW YORK MAN PLEADS GUILTY IN ATTEMPTED MURDER OF HARFORD COUNTY SHERIFF LIEUTENANT

Date: May 19, 2026
Re: State vs. Juan Quiroz-Manzueta

On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, Juan Quiroz-Manzueta, 22, of New York, entered a guilty plea in front of the Honorable Judge Kevin J. Mahoney in the Circuit Court of Harford County to one count of Attempted First Degree Murder, one count of Second Degree Burglary, one of count of Attempt by Driver to Elude Police in an Official Police Vehicle, and one count of Failing to Stop a Vehicle after an Attended Property Damage Accident.

Facts presented in support of the plea proved that on the morning of August 26, 2025, Lieutenant Robert Burgess observed a white Penske box truck driving erratically on Route 136 in Harford County. At that time, he activated his emergency equipment to initiate a traffic stop, the driver failed to stop and led law enforcement on a 36-minute vehicle pursuit across multiple roads in the county. During the pursuit, the driver of that vehicle, Juan Quiroz-Manzueta, drove recklessly at unsafe speeds, crossed over medians, and, most notably, traveled the wrong way on several occasions, including multiple times on Interstate 95. At a minimum, six cars were struck by the Defendant as he weaved in and out of traffic attempting to evade law enforcement, and failed to stop after any of those collisions. During that time, other deputies led the pursuit, and Lt. Burgess, later with the help of a Maryland State Police trooper, positioned themselves on Interstate 95 to deploy stop sticks in an attempt to stop the vehicle. As the Defendant approached, he deliberately avoided the tire deflation devices, striking civilian vehicles in the process. Lt. Burgess sought cover, and it was at that time that the defendant deliberately struck Lt. Burgess’ vehicle, swerved directly at him and struck him, sending him 30 feet through the air and an additional 30-plus feet down the asphalt, nearly taking his life. The Defendant still failed to stop despite striking a human being and continued to flee. Eventually, Sgt. Henize of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) terminated the pursuit and safely conducted a Precision Immobilization Technique, which is a law enforcement tactic used to safely and forcefully stop a fleeing vehicle, guiding it off the roadway and into the woods. The Defendant exited his vehicle, fled through the woods and managed to further evade arrest at that time.

Investigation later revealed that the Defendant burglarized the Applebee’s in Aberdeen and stole cooking oil from that location. He then attempted to steal additional cooking oil from the Royal Farms on Route 22. Both incidents occurred just prior to Lt. Burgess’ attempted traffic stop on the vehicle. The Defendant was transporting the cooking oil in the truck as well as the hose he used to siphon the oil to steal it. Due to the swift and thorough investigation of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, the Defendant was immediately identified, located, and arrested the very next day in New Rochelle, New York.

As a result of the conviction, the Defendant was sentenced to Life in Prison, all suspended but forty (40) years to serve, which is a significant upward deviation from the recommended Maryland Sentencing guidelines of only fifteen (15) to twenty-five (25) years.

Following the hearing, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey held a press conference where she issued the following statement: “The sentencing guidelines in this case were only 15 – 25 years, which were completely insufficient for both the crimes the Defendant committed that day as well as the amount of peril in which the Defendant placed all of our citizens on the roadway that day. We are proud that we were able to obtain a sentence that is 15 years above the top of the sentencing guidelines and more than double the bottom of the range for the guidelines.

I want to significantly commend Detective Phillip Golden and the entire Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, as well as Detective Lightner and the Aberdeen Police Department Criminal Investigation Division, for their efforts in investigating this case. In addition, Harford County law enforcement and supervisors from all agencies countywide demonstrated sheer excellence in the team effort to bring this dangerous pursuit to a close. I cannot say enough how much I appreciate the sacrifices that our law enforcements make each and every day to ensure the safety of this county. They put their lives on the line for each and every one of us.

Most importantly, I am incredibly grateful to report that Lieutenant Burgess was able to be here with us today in Court to address the Court in a victim impact statement. He sustained significant injuries as a result of the Defendant’s actions – a severe concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury, a collapsed lung with 12 displaced ribs and one broken rib requiring nine metal plates, a dislocated collarbone, a broken left forearm requiring a metal plate, four fractured vertebrae in his back, road rash covering his body, two large lacerations on his head, and additional internal bleeding. Despite those injuries, he thankfully survived this horrific incident. He will, however, be likely to deal with the lasting effects of his injuries for the rest of his life. His bravery and service to Harford County are to be honored.

As State’s Attorney, I remain committed to my sole focus and priority, which is the public safety of Harford County and ensuring that dangerous offenders like Juan Quiroz-Manzueta face significant consequences for the threat they pose to our community. This is what the citizens of Harford County elected me to do, and we have repeatedly shown that we will stop at nothing to remove violent offenders from our streets. Today, we once again did just that. This sentence is a swift and certain message to those who contemplate committing crimes in Harford County. No sentence obtained in this case would ever be enough to compensate Lieutenant Burgess for the injuries he sustained that day. We are so fortunate that he did not lose his life that day protecting our community, but this is a reminder that all our law enforcement officers willingly do everything they can every day to protect our citizens. So, to all our law enforcement partners, I profoundly thank you for your service to Harford County. In the Circuit Court for Harford County, today, justice was served.”

NOTTINGHAM WOMAN CONVICTED IN HOA THEFT SCHEME

Date: May 14, 2026
Re: State vs. Sarah Chester

On Monday, May 11, 2026, Sarah Chester, 44, of Nottingham, pled guilty to one count of Theft Scheme over $100,000, one count of Forgery and Counterfeit – Private Documents, and one count of Embezzlement, before the Honorable Paul W. Ishak in the Circuit Court for Harford County. Chester was sentenced to twenty (20) years, all suspended with five (5) years to serve. She was taken into custody to begin her sentence immediately following the hearing. Restitution in this case, which is expected to reach nearly $600,000, will be left open for thirty (30) days to allow the State the opportunity to verify the contact information and amounts from the various affected homeowners associations.

Facts presented in support of the plea proved that between 2021 and 2025, several homeowners associations in both Harford and Baltimore Counties hired the Defendant and her company, Magnolia Properties, to manage the HOAs and their funds. Evidence showed that over approximately a five-year period, the Defendant ran a Ponzi scheme. She syphoned monies from each HOA into her personal accounts. Chester utilized the funds for trips to Europe, country club memberships, and more. She also created fake bank statements to hide her theft and transferred money between HOA accounts to replenish stolen funds in others. Over the course of a five-year period, the thefts affected over 250 households and approximately 1,500 individuals.

Over 50 residents from various communities affected by the Defendant’s actions attended the hearing. At the conclusion, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey issued the following statement: “To be placed in a position of trust by your community only to violate that trust in such an egregious way is despicable and behavior that will not be tolerated in Harford County. I commend the work of Assistant State’s Attorney Ari Kodeck for his efforts in securing a jail sentence in this case, as well as ensuring that restitution is ordered and these communities will one day be made whole.”

State’s Attorney Healey also thanks the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and Detective Sergent for their efforts in the investigation of this highly complex white-collar case and recognizes the tremendous amount of work and collaboration that was required to ensure that justice was served.

ABINGDON MAN CONVICTED OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER

Date: April 17, 2026
Re: State v. David Williams

On Friday, April 17, 2026, David Williams, 67, of Abingdon, was convicted of First Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in a Felony or Crime of Violence, Possession of a Regulated Firearm By a Prohibited Person, Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person, and Impairing the Verity or Availability of Physical Evidence following a five-day jury trial before the Honorable Judge Alex Allman in the Circuit Court for Harford County. The Defendant will remain in custody at the Harford County Detention Center until his sentencing hearing, which will be scheduled after a Pre-Sentence Investigation.

Facts presented in the trial proved that on June 30, 2025, Lillian Williams was shot and killed in the upstairs of her Abingdon home. At the time of the murder, her husband, David Williams, was the only other occupant of the residence. After the murder, the Defendant left the victim in the residence to drive around and took the gun with him. Approximately an hour later, he returned to the residence after he discarded the gun in a wooded area and finally called 911 for assistance. He relayed pieces of the story to dispatchers and denied any knowledge of the details of the shooting. Despite the efforts of first responders, the victim had no pulse at the time of arrival and was pronounced deceased.

At the time of their response, Williams provided multiple stories to the responding deputies but allowed them access to his RING doorbell camera. He was eventually transported to the Criminal Investigation Division for further interviewing. There, his story changed again, and he claimed that the victim produced the weapon and that the gun simply went off during a struggle. An autopsy was conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, which determined the victim’s manner of death to be a homicide. They also determined that the gun was fired from approximately one to three feet away. During their testimony, the Medical Examiner testified that the findings of the autopsy were not consistent with a struggle.

Warrants were also executed on the Defendant’s home and RING camera. Detectives recovered multiple gun cases, multiple types of ammunition, and a handgun holster from the Defendant’s bedroom. The videos from the RING camera on the night of the incident showed the Defendant kicking in the front door to gain access to the home, then calmly and repeatedly exiting and entering the home in the moments following the shooting. Other evidence presented also showed that the Defendant called a friend who resided out of State and advised that he had been in an altercation with a man that resulted in the man’s death.

Following the conviction, State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey offered the following comment: “After our prosecutors persisted through this five-day jury trial, we are thrilled with the First-Degree Murder conviction of David Williams, along with convictions on all other counts charged, ensuring justice is served for the death of Lillian Williams, the victim of this tragic, domestically-related homicide. It is the worst kind of betrayal and violence when a Defendant takes the life of someone with whom they have an intimate relationship. While the result of this case will never bring Ms. Williams back, it is my hope that the convictions in this case will bring some peace to her family in knowing that the person responsible for her death will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law and is likely to spend the rest of his life behind bars.”

Ms. Healey extends her sincere gratitude to Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Jason Allen and Assistant State’s Attorney Jenn Alvarez for their preparation, diligence, commitment, and advocacy in the prosecution of this case. She also commends the Harford County Sheriff’s Office for their thorough investigation of this case and especially thanks Deputies Alba, Elliot, and Distance of the Patrol Division, former Deputy and current Pentagon Police Officer Perez, Detectives Kaminiski and Golden and Forensic Lab Director Orchowitz of the Criminal Investigation Division for their assistance with the presentation of this case at trial. Finally, she recognizes the collaborative efforts of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and Harford County Emergency Services.

911 DISPATCHER SENTENCED IN DUI

Date: April 16, 2026
Re: State v. Nadene Smith

On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Nadene Letonya Smith, 42, of Reisterstown, entered into a plea agreement and was found guilty of Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol and Fleeing and Eluding by Failing to Stop before the Honorable Judge Donald Walter in the District Court for Harford County. At that time, sentencing was postponed at the request of the Defense and was scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026.

The facts presented in support of the plea proved that on November 16, 2025, deputies of the Harford County Sheriff’s Office observed a dark colored SUV traveling east on Philadelphia Road, driving over the double solid yellow lines and ultimately reversing in the middle of a roundabout after traveling in the wrong direction. Deputy Kanner positioned himself behind the vehicle to initiate a traffic stop. However, the vehicle continued to drive through the center of the roundabout. A pursuit was initiated as the vehicle continued down Philadelphia Road, into another roundabout, lost control, traveled off the roadway, and came to rest in a grassy area, disabling the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was identified as the Defendant, Nadene Smith. Smith was ordered to exit the vehicle, and Deputies observed her stumbling and falling upon her exit prior to being detained. Deputies further observed the Defendant’s eyes red and glassy and her speech slurred. When asked where she was coming from, the Defendant originally declined to answer but eventually did state that she was a 911 dispatcher coming from a co-worker’s bonfire where she consumed two drinks that were 16% Alcohol by Volume. Smith consented to standardized field sobriety testing, where multiple observations indicated impairment. Following these tests, Smith refused to submit to a breath test to measure her blood alcohol levels. As a result of her standardized field sobriety testing and the observations of Deputies, she was placed under arrest. Following her arrest, Smith became belligerent with the Deputies, all of which was captured on the in-car camera footage during the arrest.

Due to the egregious nature of the Defendant’s conduct, including but not limited to her driving, failure to stop, impairment by alcohol, and her behavior during and after arrest, Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Melissa Moloney highlighted these as aggravating factors and advocated for incarceration despite the Defendant’s lack of record and this being her first offense. The Honorable Judge Donald Walter agreed and imposed a sentence of two (2) years, all suspended but forty-five (45) days to serve.

State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey issued the following statement at the conclusion of the hearing: “Driving Under the Influence is a criminal offense that puts innocent victims at risk and one that my office always takes seriously. Some, but not all, first-time offenses result in probationary findings with conditions for treatment. However, when you couple that dangerous behavior with fleeing and eluding and mistreatment and threats directed toward our county’s law enforcement, incarceration becomes the only acceptable consequence, despite the Defendant’s lack of record. The Defendant’s behavior in this case was egregious, and we are grateful that Judge Walter agreed with us in imposing his sentence. I also thank Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Melissa Moloney for her pursuit of justice and advocacy in this case and extend my sincere gratitude to our incredible law enforcement who put their lives on the line each day to protect the citizens of this county and show enormous levels of professionalism when dealing with the challenges of criminal behavior on our streets.”

ABINGDON WOMAN CONVICTED ABOVE SENTENCING GUIDELINES IN MULTIPLE RETAIL THEFT CASES

Date: March 23, 2026
Re: State v. Jessica Mary Hubbard

On Friday, March 13, 2026, Jessica Mary Hubbard, 33, of Abingdon, Maryland pled guilty to Organized Retail Theft, Theft Scheme, Second Degree Assault, and two counts of Theft having a value between $100 and $1,500 in four criminal cases before the Honorable Judge Paul Ishak in the Circuit Court for Harford County.

Facts presented in support of the plea proved that on multiple dates between August 2025 and January 2026, the Defendant stole merchandise from numerous Harford County locations. including BJ’s Wholesale Club, Kohl’s, Target, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Walmart, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, totaling $8,395.06. Hubbard would enter these locations, fill her cart with merchandise, pass all points of sale, and make no effort to pay prior to exiting the stores. Following a coordinated investigative effort with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and loss prevention at each of the named locations, Hubbard was arrested and charged.

Following the conviction, the Defendant was sentenced to fifteen (15) years of incarceration, suspending all but five (5) years to serve, followed by three years of supervised probation upon release. She was also banned from the named locations and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $7,747.37. This was a significant upward deviation from this Defendant’s Maryland Sentencing guidelines, which suggested a sentence of probation to two years of incarceration. This sentence, at the recommendation of Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Melissa Moloney, was two and a half times more than the top of those guidelines.

State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey issued the following statement at the conclusion of the hearing: “In Harford County, we aggressively pursue justice in all criminal matters, big and small. I commend the Harford County Sheriff’s Office for taking a zero-tolerance approach to retail theft as we continue our partnership to ensure safe communities. All crimes impact public safety, regardless of their nature. I would also like to thank Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Melissa Moloney for her commitment and advocacy in this case. A tremendous amount of time and effort goes into these convictions which involve multiple incidents. I am thankful for the efforts and partnerships of all those involved that brought these cases to a close. Let this be a strong message from the Harford County law enforcement team that there is no such thing as a “smaller crime” in Harford County. If you break the law, you will be held accountable under my administration.”